Lost motion mechanism for movable vehicle implements

ABSTRACT

A lost motion mechanism that is operatively interconnected with a hydraulic cylinder is provided. The lost motion mechanism includes an elongated rod connected with a portion of the hydraulic cylinder. An elongated sleeve member is adapted to receive at least a portion of the rod extension. The sleeve member includes at least one slot of a predetermined length. At least one pin member is attached relative to the rod extension and protrudes into the at least one slot. The pin member together with the slot limits the longitudinal movement of the rod extension and enables an implement to be moved by hydraulic force both upward and downward relative to ground level as well as enables the implement to be free floating relative to the ground level.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/778,684, filed Mar. 3, 2006,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for moving, relative toground level, of a mounted implement on a vehicle. More particularly,the invention pertains to the operative interpositioning of a lostmotion mechanism between a piston rod output end and either the vehicleor the implement, thereby permitting full lowering the implement to theground level in a floating condition without fluid-power forces actingthereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most of the current plow constructions used on vehicles, such as, e.g.ATV (All-Terrain Vehicles) utilize one of two different structures andmethods for actuating the scraper blades on snowplow systems. The firststructure and method of operation utilizes a winch to raise and lowerthe blade, with the blade typically being located at such an angle so asto cause the winch cable to readily chafe. As a result of the chafing,the winch cable may wear prematurely, and, thus, necessitating frequentreplacement, particularly when used in commercial and municipal markets.In addition, these plow constructions also do not include the ability tochange the blade angle unless the operator physically gets off thevehicle in order to manually change same. The second structure andmethod of operation utilizes electric actuators to raise and lower theblade.

These constructions only have the ability to exert a down force on theblade and include no mechanisms that would permit the blade to “float”during operation. While some other constructions have the actuatorattached to a chain that will allow the blade to float at fullextension, the chain eliminates the ability to exert the noted downforce. While some further plow constructions use hydraulic power unitsystems, these constructions are not designed to withstand an impact ifthe operator impinges on an object with the plow blade.

The patent literature includes large numbers of mechanism, devices, aswell as operating systems pertaining to pivoting front-end mountedimplements for vehicles. The literature includes: U.S. Pat. No.7,063,169 B2 to Elliott; U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,757 B2 to Bloxdorf et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,468 Be to Menze; U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,199 B1 toChristy; U.S. Pat. No. 6,246,909 B1 to Kost et al.; U.S. Pat. No.6,253,470 B1 to Dopies et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,163,985 to Chinnery etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,688 to Struck et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,261to Vachon; U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,065 to Landoll et al.; U.S. Pat. No.4,999,939 to Blau; U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,820 to Simonds, Jr.; and U.S.Patent Publication No. 2005/0144814 to Potak. However, none of thesedisclose structures that pertain to a lost motion mechanism for movablevehicle implements that includes the features and advantages of thepresent invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art devices, a lostmotion mechanism is provided. The lost motion mechanism is operativelyinterconnected with a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder isrotatably connected to one of a vehicle and an implement. The lostmotion mechanism is rotatably connected to the other of the vehicle andthe implement. The cylinder and lost motion mechanism cooperate formoving the implement relative to a ground level. The lost motionmechanism comprises in combination: an elongated rod connected with aportion of the hydraulic cylinder; an elongated sleeve member adapted toreceive at least a portion of the rod extension, the sleeve memberincluding at least one slot of a predetermined length; and at least onepin member attached relative to the rod extension and protruding intothe at least one slot. The pin member together with the slot, limitingthe longitudinal movement of the rod extension and enabling theimplement to be moved by hydraulic force both upward and downwardrelative to the ground level as well as enabling the implement to befree floating relative to the ground level.

In one version of the lost motion mechanism, the sleeve member includesat least two slots. The at least one pin member extends into each slot.

In another version of the lost motion mechanism, the slots are equallyperipherally spaced about a circumference of the sleeve member.

In yet a further version of the lost motion mechanism, the degree offloating movement of the implement is determined by a length of theslot.

In yet another version of the lost motion mechanism, the rotatableconnections are achieved via clevis coupling members.

In still a differing version of the lost motion mechanism, the implementtakes the form of a snow plow.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for moving, relative toground level, an implement of a vehicle utilizing a hydraulic cylinder.The hydraulic cylinder being rotatably connected to one of the vehicleand the implement. The improvement comprises a lost motion mechanisminterposed between the hydraulic cylinder and the other of the vehicleand the implement. The lost motion mechanism enabling lowering of theimplement under full hydraulic pressure as well as full raising of theimplement. The lost motion mechanism additionally permits full loweringof the implement, relative to the ground level, in a floating conditionwithout hydraulic forces acting thereon.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for moving, relativeto ground level, of a front-end mounted snow plow on a vehicle utilizinga fluid power cylinder. The cylinder is rotatably connected to one ofthe vehicle and the snow plow. The improvement comprises a mechanicallost motion mechanism interposed between the cylinder and the other ofthe vehicle and the snow plow. The lost motion mechanism permits fulllowering of the snow plow, relative to the ground level, in a floatingcondition without fluid power forces acting thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lost motion mechanism of the presentinvention in a fully retracted position A;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view similar to that of FIG. 1, butshowing the lost motion device or mechanism in a free floating,intermediate, position B;

FIG. 3 is a slightly enlarged perspective view, again similar to that ofFIG. 1, but showing the lost motion device in a fully extended positionC;

FIG. 4 is a simplified plan view of FIG. 2, showing the addition of alateral arresting pin to the structure thereof;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lost motion mechanism ofFIGS. 1-4 and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder with which the formeris adapted to be coupled;

FIG. 6 a is a side view of the lost motion mechanism/hydraulic cylinderassembly in the fully retracted position A;

FIG. 6 b is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 a, but showing same in afree floating, intermediate, position B;

FIG. 6 c is a view again similar that that of FIG. 6 a, but showing samein a fully extended, position C;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a vehicle equipped with a pivotingimplement wherein the lost motion device is in a fully retractedposition A;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7, but showing same in a freefloating, intermediate, position B;

FIG. 9 is a view, again similar to that of FIG. 7, but showing same in afully extended position C;

FIG. 10 is a simplified hydraulic schematic of the hydraulic power unitsystem for pivoting the implement; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a known DC electric motor and hydraulicpump arrangement used for powering the circuit shown in the hydraulicschematic of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the several drawings, illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 aresimilar perspective views of the lost motion device (LMD) or mechanism10 of this invention, but showing same in three differing positions.FIG. 1 shows lost motion mechanism 10 in a fully extended position A,while FIG. 2 shows LMD 10 in an intermediate, floating, position B, withFIG. 3 showing LMD 10 in a fully retracted position C.

Turning first to FIG. 1 and fully extended position A, LMD 10 includesan elongated rod extension 12 affixed on an inner end 14 thereof, to theouter end 16 of the piston rod or output member 18 of a double-actinghydraulic cylinder 20 (FIGS. 5-11). This affixation may, for example,take the form of an internally-threaded, increased diameter, rod innerend portion of piston rod outer end 16. Rod extension 12 also includesat a predetermined distance from an outer end 26 thereof, a lateral boreor through hole 28, perpendicular to the axial extent of rod extension12.

As best seen in the fully retracted position C illustrated in FIG. 3, anelongated sleeve member 32 is configured or adapted to slidingly receivetherein, via an open inner end 34 thereof, the full axial extent of rodextension 12, except for increased diameter rod inner end portion 22,which in this position abuts sleeve member inner end 34. Elongatedsleeve member 32, at an open outer end 36 is provided, e.g. viacomplementary threadings (FIG. 5), with any desired axially-extendingcoupling member 38, such as a conventional clevis coupling, foroperative connection to an implement 70 (FIG. 7). Sleeve member 32 isalso provided with at least one, but preferably two radially orcircumferentially opposed axially-extending, straight, land-locked slotsor grooves 42 of a predetermined length, terminating at an inner end 44and at an outer end 46.

In order to restrict the extent of the axial sliding movement of rodextension 12, within sleeve member 32, as best illustrated in FIGS.4-11, a pin member 50, preferably secured as via press-fitting in rodextension through hole 28, extends into and through at least one ofcircumferentially opposed sleeve member slots 42, with pin member(s) 50forcibly abutting sleeve member slot inner end 44 in position A of FIG.1; forcibly abutting sleeve member slot outer end 46 in position C ofFIG. 3; and being freely floating in a position intermediate slot ends44 and 46 in position B of FIGS. 2 and 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of LMD 10 of FIGS. 1-4 together withdouble acting hydraulic cylinder 20, with increased diameter rod outerend 16, as already previously described. In addition, FIG. 5 alsoclearly illustrates that sleeve member 32 is adapted to e.g., be securedto coupling member 38 via complementary threadings. Double actinghydraulic cylinder 20 may take the form of a conventional unit andincludes a cylinder housing 52, having an apertured end cap 54, throughwhich piston rod 18 extends, as well as a closed end cap 56 having aknown integral clevis-type coupling member 58. Pressurized hydraulicfluid alternately enters and exhausts from reversible ports 60 and 62,depending upon the flow direction of the hydraulic fluid, in a mannerwell known in the art.

Continuing now with FIGS. 6 a-6 c, FIG. 6 a further illustrates thecombination 66 of LMD 10 and double acting cylinder 20. In FIG. 6 a,combination 66 is labeled 66 a, since it illustrates the LMD/hydrauliccylinder combination in the fully retracted position A, wherein rodextension pin member 50, substantially abuts inner end 44 of land-lockedslots 42 and piston rod increased diameter end portion 22, substantiallyabuts apertured cylinder end cap 54. In the position of FIG. 6 a, thepiston rod 18 (not shown in FIG. 6 a) is nearly or fully retracted. Theposition of combination 66 a, shown in FIG. 6 a, is also the positionshown in FIG. 7 in which combination 66 is interposed between a vehicle68 and an implement 70.

In FIG. 7, sleeve member coupling member 38 is rotatably attached to apin member or mounting 72 affixed to an upper support structure 74 ofvehicle 68 at 78. Similarly, clevis-type coupling 58 of cylinder 20 isrotatably attached or affixed to a pin member or mounting 76 affixed toone end 82 to an implement support frame 80, with another end 84 beingpivotally attached or affixed at 86, to the chassis of vehicle 68 via apin member or mounting 85. Thus, by virtue of the actuation ofcombination 66, implement 70 can be pivoted relative to ground level 88.It should be understood that the mounting position or orientation ofcombination 66 a, as best seen in FIG. 7, could, if so desired, beinverted by rotatably mounting coupling 58 to support structure 74 androtatably mounting sleeve coupling member 38 at support frame end 82. Asalready noted, position A of FIG. 7 illustrates implement 70 in thefully retracted position A, similar to the corresponding position Ashowings in FIGS. 1 and 6 a. It should be understood that thepositioning of combination 66 could be reversed 180 degrees, if sodesired.

Focusing now on FIG. 6 b, combination 66 is labeled 66 b since itillustrates same in a free floating, intermediate position B. Theposition shown in FIG. 6 b corresponds to position B shown in FIGS. 2and 8, in which rod extension pin member 50 is permitted to float, viathe partial stroking of piston rod 18, thereby permitting rod extensionpin 50 of LMD 10 to “float” within land-locked slots 42, between slotends 42 and 46, without hydraulic forces acting on implement 70, so thatimplement 70 can conform or adjust to undulations 90 or, alternatively,non-smooth transitions in ground level 88.

Advancing now to FIG. 6 c, combination 66 is now labeled 66 c since itillustrates same in a fully extended position C. The position shown inFIG. 6 c corresponds to the position C shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, in whichrod extension pin member 50 substantially abuts outer end 46 of sleevemember land-locked slots 42, thereby permitting hydraulic forces to acton implement 70 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9. It shouldbe understood that the degree or amount, of to the vertical movement or“float” of implement 70 is determined and limited by the length of axialslot(s) 42. Thus, with reference to intermediate position B (FIG. 8),pin member(s) 50, while being illustrated as being located at about themidpoint of the length of slots(s) 42, could range from being near outerslot end 46, thus permitting very limited floating, being locatedadjoining or even abutting inner slot end 44, thus providing maximumfloat capability.

To reiterate, in terms of FIGS. 7-9 there is illustrated a schematicside view of vehicle 68 and its pivotally mounted implement 70, whereinLMD 10 is shown progressively in its fully extended position A in FIG.7; in its free floating, intermediate position B in FIG. 8; and in itsfully retracted position C in FIG. 9.

Advancing to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is a combination or power unit98 utilizing a known, preferably 12 volt D.C. bi-directionallyrotatable, reversible, rotating electric motor 92, having electricallead-ins 94 operatively interconnected with a known fixed displacementhydraulic gear pump 96, with commercial power units 98 of this typebeing available from the Oildyne Division of the Parker HannifinCorporation of Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America. Power unit 98,within a hydraulic circuit 100 (FIG. 10), is preferably located, forexample on implement support frame 80, and is operatively interconnectedin a known manner with hydraulic cylinder 20 and LMD 10, asschematically shown in FIGS. 7-9, so as to permit “floating” thereofwith implement 70.

Returning now to FIG. 10 illustrated therein is a simplified hydraulicschematic 100 showing power unit 98, comprised of interconnectedelectric motor 92 and hydraulic gear pump 96, operate in unison in abi-directional, reversible, modes for alternately pumping pressurizedhydraulic fluid into hydraulic cylinder port 60, via interconnectedconduits 102 and 104 for powering cylinder piston rod 18 outwardly fromcylinder 20 and alternately into hydraulic cylinder port 62, viainterconnected conduits 106 and 108, for retracting piston rod 18 backinto cylinder 20 in a manner well known in the art. Multiple knownrelief valves 110 and multiple check valves 112 serve to protect theindividual conduits and together with the usual filters and reservoirscomplete this conventional hydraulic circuit 114. Further knowncab-mounted controls permit operator control, preferably via aconventional hand-operated controller.

In one embodiment, the present invention can be defined as an apparatusfor pivoting on a vehicle 68, a front-end mounted implement 70, relativeto ground level 88 or 90, utilizing a fluid-pressurized, double-actinghydraulic cylinder 20 with the latter being connected on one cylinderend to either vehicle 68 or implement 70, wherein cylinder 20 includesan output member 18, the outer end of which is rotatably connected toeither implement 70 or vehicle 68 with the improvement comprising theoperative interpositioning of LMD 10 between the output member outer endand either vehicle 68 or implement 70, thereby permitting not only thefull lowering of implement 70 while remaining under full hydraulicpressure as well as full raising of implement 70, both via hydraulicpressure, but additionally permitting full lowering of implement 70,relative to ground level 88 and/or 90, in a floating condition withouthydraulic forces acting thereon.

The present invention also includes a method for pivoting implement 70and reference should be made to FIGS. 7-9 for the full understandingthereof. Specifically, this method includes the steps of: fully strokingpiston rod 18, and thus LMD 10 from a retracted rest position A (FIG.7), in an outward direction, causing LMD 10 to be fully extended andresulting implement 70 to be both fully lowered to position C (FIG. 9),relative to ground level 88, while remaining under full hydraulicpressure; partially stroking piston rod 18 from either fully retractedrest position A (FIG. 7) or from fully extended outward position C (FIG.9), causing LMD 10 to be operative and resulting in implement 70 to beeither fully lowered to position B (FIG. 8) or remaining fully lowered,relative to ground level (FIG. 8, position B), in a floating positionwithout hydraulic forces acting thereon; and either partially strokingpiston rod 18 in an inward direction when implement 70 is in floatingposition B (FIG. 8) or fully stroking piston rod 18 in an inwarddirection when implement 70 is in fully lowered position C (FIG. 9),causing LMD 10 to be fully retracted when piston rod 18 reachesretracted rest position A (FIG. 7), thus resulting in implement 70 to befully raised, relative to ground level 88 or 90.

The unique design, as well as the structural and operational attributesof the present invention, specifically the use of LMD 10, allow theimplement operator to not only to raise and lower the implement 70, butalso provides the capabilities of both free-floating and hydraulic downforce functions, in the manner previously described. For ease ofdescription and understanding, the word “implement” is used here in ageneric sense and is deemed to include all types of mechanisms that areadaptable to being movably mounted relative to the front end of any typeof vehicle e.g., such as an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), and can includebut are not limited to devices such as plowing blades for snow or dirt,as well as rotating brushes, rakes, scrapers, aerators and the like.

It is deemed that one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyrecognize that the present invention fills remaining needs in this artand will be able to effect various changes, substitutions of equivalentsand various other aspects of the invention as described herein. Thus, itis intended that the protection granted hereon be limited only by thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A lost motion mechanism operatively interconnected with a hydrauliccylinder, said hydraulic cylinder being rotatably connected to one of avehicle and an implement, said lost motion mechanism being rotatablyconnected to the other of said vehicle and said implement, said cylinderand lost motion mechanism cooperating for moving said implement relativeto a ground level, said lost motion mechanism comprising in combination:an elongated rod connected with a portion of said hydraulic cylinder; anelongated sleeve member adapted to receive at least a portion of saidrod extension, said sleeve member including at least one slot of apredetermined length; and at least one pin member attached relative tosaid rod extension and protruding into said at least one slot, said atleast one pin member being free to move within said at least one slot toenable free movement of said rod extension relative to said elongatedsleeve member, said pin member together with said slot, limiting thelongitudinal movement of said rod extension and enabling the implementto be moved by hydraulic force both upward and downward relative to theground level as well as enabling the implement to be free floatingrelative to the ground level.
 2. The lost motion mechanism of claim 1wherein said sleeve member includes at least two slots, said at leastone pin member extending into each slot.
 3. The lost motion mechanism ofclaim 2 wherein said slots are equally spaced about a circumference ofsaid sleeve member.
 4. The lost motion mechanism of claim 1 wherein thedegree of floating movement of said implement is determined by a lengthof said slot.
 5. The lost motion mechanism of claim 1 wherein saidrotatable connections are achieved via clevis coupling members.
 6. Thelost motion mechanism of claim 1 wherein said implement takes the formof a snow plow.
 7. In an apparatus for moving, relative to ground level,of an implement of a vehicle, utilizing a hydraulic cylinder, saidhydraulic cylinder being rotatably connected to one of said vehicle andsaid implement, the improvement comprising a lost motion mechanisminterposed between said hydraulic cylinder and the other of said vehicleand said implement, said lost motion mechanism enabling lowering of theimplement under full hydraulic pressure as well as full raising of saidimplement, said lost motion mechanism additionally permitting fulllowering of said implement, relative to said ground level, in a freefloating condition without hydraulic forces acting thereon, wherein saidlost motion device comprises: an elongated extension connected with saidhydraulic cylinder; an elongated sleeve member adapted to receive, atleast a portion of said elongated extension in a sliding fit manner,said sleeve member including at least one axially-extending slot of apredetermined length; and at least one pin member attached to andextending from said elongated extension into said at least one slot,said at least one pin member being free to move within said at least oneaxially extending slot to enable free movement of said elongatedextension relative to said elongated sleeve member, said pin membertogether with said slot, limiting the longitudinal sliding movement ofsaid elongated extension and enabling the floating movement of saidimplement.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said elongated sleevemember includes at least two slots and said at least one member extendsinto each slot.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said slots areequally spaced about a circumference of the sleeve member.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 7 wherein the degree of floating movement isdetermined by the length of the said slot.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7wherein said rotatable connections are achieved via clevis couplings.12. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said implement takes the form of asnow plow.
 13. In an apparatus for moving, relative to ground level, ofa front-end mounted snow plow on a vehicle, utilizing a fluid powercylinder, said cylinder being rotatably connected to one of said vehicleand said snow plow, the improvement comprising a mechanical lost motionmechanism interposed between said cylinder and other of said vehicle andsaid snow plow, said lost motion mechanism permitting full lowering ofsaid snow plow, relative to said ground level, in a free floatingcondition without fluid power forces acting thereon, wherein saidmechanical lost motion mechanism includes: an elongated rod extensionaffixed to said cylinder; an elongated sleeve member havingcircumferentially opposed, axially-extending slots of a predeterminedlength and being adapted to receive in sliding-fit fashion, a portion ofsaid rod extension; and opposed pin members radiating from said rodextension and protruding into said opposed slots, said opposed pinmembers being free to move within said opposed slots to enable freemovement of said rod extension relative to said elongated sleeve member,said opposed pin members and said opposed slots limiting the slidingmovement of said rod extension within said sleeve member and theaccompanying floating movement of said snow plow.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 13 wherein the degree of floating movement said snow plow isdetermined by the length of said slots.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13wherein said snow plow is affixed to a support frame, with said supportframe being pivotally connected with said vehicle.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15 further including a source of pressurized fluid operativelyinterconnected with said fluid power cylinder.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16 wherein said source of pressurized fluid is also affixed tosaid support frame.